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The Temperance Movement Sweeps Through Aberdeen

Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion 2 Responses »

May 012014

More than half the people in Aberdeen over a certain age seem to claim they were at the Music Hall when Led Zeppelin played. That night went down in local musical history; those who were actually there still enthuse about it. The Temperance Movement’s night at the Lemon Tree on Saturday 26 April will be remembered as likewise legendary in the years to come. Suzanne Kelly reports; photographs by Julie Thomson.

The Temperance Movement. Phil, Damon, Luke – Credit: Julie Thompson.

New bands are (finally) arising from the ashes. Sliding ratings signal the decline of the anodyne TV talent show and prefabricated boy/girl bands whose members don’t have a clue as to how to play, let alone write (but who have great skin and haircuts).

Of the new, great acts coming over the horizon, The Temperance Movement must be the most promising, accessible and talented.

A sold out Lemon Tree witnessed one of the most inspired and inspiring acts that venue is going to see. Ever. Am I overstating the case? Not even slightly.*

TTM at first hearing invites some obvious comparisons with The Black Crowes, but they have learnt lessons from a host of country, rock and punk icons. Vocal inspiration seems to be taken from diverse sources ranging from Soundgarden and Pearl Jam (rough, edgy soulful vocals), through to Pure Prairie League and Little Feat (countryesque harmonies).

There is a point in the show where an instrumental section veers towards The Grateful Dead’s unpredictable, country improvisation. Ballads evoke acts from Lynyrd Skynyrd through to Johnny Cash and back around again to guitar-driven Zeppelin-tinted tracks. Chord structures veer from pure country and western (Chinese Lanterns) to simple old-fashioned rock (Be Lucky).

TTM have built on some solid cherry-picked foundations, adding some powerful lyrics and insights which you’d expect from a band that’d been together for decades. The end result is music that is unique, and more than the sum of its parts.

This is kind of the Shakespearean method approach to southern rock flavoured music. Shakespeare basically worked by taking the best plots, devices, structures and literary tools (alliteration, versification and other highbrow stuff), and turned them into works people will always remember.

In their own fashion, The Temperance Movement has used the same approach to crafting their music.

When you look at a track such as ‘Chinese Lanterns’; musically it is a country track. Guitarists Luke and Paul play this sweetly, gently, but in such a way that you know it’s a brand new song belonging in 2014 more than in 1954 Nashville. As to the lyrics and their delivery; it’s a Shakespearean sonnet – simple, true, honest, and structured in such a way that’s so original and so haunting, you won’t forget it anytime soon. I think everyone on the Lemon Tree floor sang along with it.

“I took one for the team but I never played the same
They wrote my story and they asked for my name
But I knew
And I learned how to lie how to make believe
I tried for hours to pull you out of my sleeve
But I knew

“Love don’t wait around for you to catch on
Try to work it out you won’t before it’s gone
Life don’t always go the way you want it to
And I can’t wait around for you”

– The Temperance Movement
Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/the-temperance-movement/chinese-lanterns-lyrics/#ToXFRy0QIY4u2VdF.99

Or as my companion for the show Alex put it on hearing the song for the first time tonight ‘Oh my god, I’m going to cry, that’s the f*cking saddest thing I’ve ever heard in my life! And it’s so beautiful’. I think she bought two CDs at the end. And so did I. Mine are up for auction on Ebay, signed by the band; all proceeds to be split between Sea Shepherd and Willows Animal Sanctuary.

We didn’t get to hear ‘Serenity’, but we heard virtually everything else, including a new track (future album is eagerly awaited). ‘Be Lucky’ is one of the most upbeat tracks of the last few years; everyone loved it. I will have to find out more about how they write their lyrics.

When it comes to love songs such as ‘Chinese Lanterns’, ‘Smouldering’ and ‘Serenity’ – you’d think they could only have been penned by someone who’s been around the block more than a few times – and had a very, very tough time of it. And yet the other upbeat songs are so simple and cheery that they are equally infectious, just for different reasons.

The upbeat side to TTM had everyone electrified. The opening track ‘Ain’t No Telling’ is an unashamed feel good song; powerful and far from the melancholia of the band’s love ballads.

A few numbers in, and they played a track where Campbell’s voice softened. ‘Smouldering’ is not a musically complex song.

But the seeming lack of complexity of so many of their pieces is what makes them so accessible, memorable and positively haunting. And you can write something that’s both simple and beautiful if you don’t know your craft well. ‘Are you still smouldering for me?’ was being sung by everyone in the place.

The band consists of brilliant guitarists Luke Potashnick and Paul Sayer; Phil Campbell on vocals (and occasional guitar); Nick Fyffe bass and percussionist (‘drummer’ doesn’t quite do it justice) Damon Wilson. Mind you, they are all vocalists as well, as you’ll appreciate when you sensibly go to see them.

The Black Crow’s Chris Robertson is clearly one inspiration and influence on vocalist Phil Campbell, but depending on whether he’s trying to cheer you up or make you think of lost loves, his delivery may invoke Kurt Cobain, Dan Fogerty, or Eddie Veder .

Other songs on the night played by the band, and sung by the entire Lemon Tree audience, included ‘Be Lucky’, ‘Only Friend’, and ‘Lovers and Fighters’. During the first encore, ‘Pride’, I am sure I saw a bunch of guys crying. When the band finally stepped to the front of the stage and took their last applause, no one wanted the night to end.

And the night didn’t end for a while. After a brief break, they came, and talked to virtually every remaining fan in the venue. They run competitions on this tour whereby fans can nominate a local drinking den to hang around in, and the winner meets the band based on the number of votes they get on social media sites.

Tonight the band talked to everyone.

It was incongruous; the same men who’d just floored the Lemon Tree were unassuming, polite, friendly and happily chatting to everyone with complete humility. I’d only like to think they left Aberdeen as happy as they’d made those of us who were there.

The crowd surprised me – not because it was packed like sardines (it had been sold out), but because everywhere I turned there was either a talented local musician, or a really tough looking 6’6” guy and his mates singing love songs to each other. Men who might have looked at home at an Iron Maiden show were arm in arm singing ‘Love don’t wait around for you’ and feeling it. I’ve never seen such an atmosphere in Aberdeen before, and doubt I will again.

The songs of love, loss, redemption and, well serenity are probably the most powerful in terms of gaining audience solidarity; the funky, happy upbeat songs such as make you feel better after a TTM slow ballad has left you close to tears (but you’re never sure if they’re tears of joy or loss).

The most baffling thing about this band is how they can be such affable people off stage (they hung around for ages after the show meeting fans, talking and signing CDs, drum sticks, drum heads and set lists).

The Temperance Movement are without any doubt in my mind the new band of the decade; possibly the century. I’d go see them again in a moment, and will be checking their schedule to do just that.

*Personal note stuff: I used to love nothing more than live music; seeing acts I loved and up upcoming bands. For a number of years I failed to find any young signed acts that caught my imagination, impressed me with their playing or lyrics, or could even perform live to a decent standard. I just stopped going gradually, and lost a lot of my passion for new music.

Then Julie played The Temperance Movement on a trip to Dundee last year.

She and other people told me that they were amazing at The Tunnels. At the first few measures, I thought ‘this is probably just another over-produced act that’s trying to be The Black Crowes’. By the time I’d heard ‘Smouldering’ I was seriously impressed, and by the time I’d heard the full album, I was fully hooked. I had to see them live. This is the act that woke me up and got me hungry for live new music again. Cheers.

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Seven Reasons To See Patrick Duff

Aberdeen City, Featured No Responses »

Apr 252014

Patrick Duff brings his remarkable skills back to Aberdeen on 30th April, but this time with some exciting added extras. Esther Green writes.

Patrick Duff returns once again with Craig John Davidson as Special Guest, but this time as a collaborator in an exciting new venture – a white vinyl 7” split release single.

Because of the special connection the Bristol-based singer now has with the Granite City, The Blue Lamp has been selected for the Launch Party for the record.

2013 saw Patrick release two albums; Visions of the Underworld, now available through Rough Trade and Seven Sermons to the Dead, a record originally commissioned by Bristol City Council.

With that in mind, here are seven reasons why you ought to come along to what promises to be a fantastic night…

1) The Songs. Patrick has an incredible body of work behind him, whilst trying out new material all the time. He may include the occasional cover in his shows, rarely – if ever – dipping into his extensive Strangelove back-catalogue, but mainly taps the rich vein of his solo career.

2) The Stories. He’s a man of many stories, all of them fascinating, many of them almost unbelievable and some hilarious. As well as the eloquence of Patrick’s delivery of these tales, their intensity and personal nature is something to savour.

3) The Atmosphere. If you have ever attended one of Patrick’s concerts, you know what this is about. The audience silence means something, an experience he often refers to “deep listening”.

4) The Special Guest. A Fat Hippy Records favourite, Craig John Davidson’s talents are outstanding. A great songwriter and musician in equal measure, he never fails to impress audiences with his finely-crafted guitar style. He recently toured successfully with label-mates in Los Angeles and can be found playing various venues around Aberdeen.

5) The Single. It’s a celebration of the friendship and musical brotherhood of its collaborators and we’re all invited. Patrick’s “Thought Birds” and Craig’s “Mr Manners” are popular live tracks among their respective fans and you will have the chance to grab a copy of this very limited edition collector’s item.

6) The Voice. Patrick has the most beautiful singing voice – often unexpectedly courageous and cavernous, it is a soulful, pure and expressive sound.

7) The Experience. You will never forget it.

Links and Info.

Tickets

Pre-order the single

Upcoming concerts

Patrick Duff on Facebook

Patrick Duff on Twitter

New interview with Bristol’s Artscare Records

Craig John Davidson on Facebook

Craig John Davidson on Soundcloud

Links to previous Aberdeen Voice articles about Patrick Duff

https://aberdeenvoice.com/2013/04/dandy-of-the-underworld/

https://aberdeenvoice.com/2013/09/man-downstairs-flies-high/

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‘Magnificent’ Dardanelles Fly In From Newfoundland

Aberdeenshire, Articles No Responses »

Apr 182014

Youthful Newfoundland trad band, The Dardanelles are widely recognised as one of the best live acts in the world, says Loudon Temple of bloodygreatpr, representing the band in Scotland

Young Newfoundland trad band, The Dardanelles will be appearing at Glenbuchat Hall.

They’ll be in the NE on April 23, bringing their ‘energetic repertoire of stirring jigs, reels and ballads, delivered with an energy found more often in high-energy rock ‘n’ roll’, to Glenbuchat Hall, Upper Donside on 23 April.

Their headline show at 2013’s Celtic Connections, was regarded by many witnesses as one the festival’s highlights.

Celtic Music Radio presenter Bill Morris reviewed the performance and raved:

“They were magnificent!”

It’s what happens each time they hit the road and take their stirring repertoire to the big stage. At last year’s Folk Alliance International event in Canada, delegates all agreed they were in a league of their own following showcases to festival bookers and agents from around the world.

The Dardanelles will be one of the main visiting headliners at Shetland Folk Festival, and there is the opportunity to catch them live at one of the few add-on tour dates in Scotland.

Five strong, the band has previously impressed at major national festivals on their home turf including Winnipeg, Mariposa, and Vancouver.

You can be assured of a warm welcome at Glenbuchat where live roots music is becoming a regular feature of this delightful community hall’s entertainment programme.

www.thedardanelles.com
www.facebook.com/GlenbuchatHall
http://www.bloodygreatpr.com

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Manchester Baggy Legends Reunite At Drummonds

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Apr 182014

With thanks to Anton Pell.

On April 26th at Café Drummonds, Manchester baggy legends ‘Northside’ play as part of the bands 20 year reunion tour.
The band featured on Top of the Pops and played for the BBC at Wembley even after being banned from all BBC shows due to their debut hits drug reference titled ‘Shall We Take a Trip’.

They also stole the show in a famous Elland Road, Leeds gig with happy Mondays and The LA’s.

For the first time since then, the band are back together with all four original members for a reunion tour playing all their hits from their albums ‘Chicken Rythms’ Section.

The band quickly became cult legends and featured on the front cover of NME amongst other major music magazines. They had two hits in the American billboard charts and even a number one in Canada, knocked off the top by Nirvana’s ‘Smell like teen spirit’.

The band famously split when the Happy Mondays broke Factory Records when they were at their peak.

Tickets are available from seetickets.com for all the bands tour dates.

Here’s one of their songs – one which still made the top 20 despite being banned by the BBC.

Deborah Bonham At The Green Hotel

Articles, Featured, Opinion No Responses »

Apr 012014

Deborah Bonham’s new album Spirit is out, she and the band have taken to the road to promote it in the UK and Europe. Suzanne Kelly and Julie Thompson saw the show at the Green Hotel in Kinross. Photos by Julie Thompson.

There are reasons to see your favourite performers live.

For one thing you quickly separate the studio-invented acts that can’t perform live rather quickly from the dedicated artists who are musicians first. Of these, there are a small number of people who transcend their recorded music and come alive onstage.

Their lives shows are always refreshing and unique; they make every show feel new and every audience feel special. This is true of Deborah Bonham and the musicians in her band.

When I learned Deborah Bonham would be playing Kinross, I knew I had to be there. This was to be the third time I’d see her and the band. The first time I saw her was in Chichester, doing an intimate charity night for Willows and a local dogs’ charity. She shared the bill with Willows’ patron and Bad Company/Free/The Firm legend, Paul Rodgers.

Rodgers, his wife Cynthia, Deborah Bonham and her extended family, are ardent animal lovers, and the combined efforts of the performers and their families created an electric atmosphere. Paul Rodgers was brilliant, but I’d not expected the emotional rollercoaster ride Bonham gave us.

Even those who were familiar with her material, such as Lorraine Robertson and her husband from Aberdeenshire – were still struck by the emotional outpourings of Bonham’s performance. Her personal triumphs and trials inform her writing and vocals. When Bonham sang of lost loves and lost relatives, there might have been a few dry eyes in the house – but not many. The band was playing music in an industrial shed that deserved to be heard in the Albert Hall.

For my part I only had my meagre camera phone, which was not up to the task of capturing any of the performances that night; I knew I had to get Julie to photograph these people.

It would be one thing being on your best performance to impress Paul Rodgers when in a hall filled with music business professionals and your families; would she and the band be consistently on form elsewhere? Material such as ‘No Angel’ requires the strength of a Janis Joplin (Bonham evoked Joplin in the best possible way – I think she’s somehow she must be related to Plant and Joplin); how consistently well performed would or could it be?

Her ode to her family members who have passed on, The Old Hyde’ (about John Bonham’s beloved farm) got many audience members (including me) emotional that first night and at a later show in London even when I knew what was coming; how would this song translate to a fairly lengthy spell on the road? Exhausting to perform, emotionally draining and usually performed towards the end of a demanding set, this work sets a very high beam.

When I saw Lorraine at the Green Hotel, she explained that she goes to see Deborah perform as often as she can, and that the power and intensity are always there.

She clearly can’t get enough, and indeed even after seeing Bonham for many years now (first at a country fair on the same bill as Robert Plant); tonight’s show still got Lorraine choked up.

A black and white photograph of John Bonham at his kit with a triumphant arm stretched overhead looked out on the stage in the venue that night; when it was time for Deborah to do ‘The Old Hyde’ – it was almost too much for her (and the audience) to look at them side by side. Keeping it fresh? It was as if she’d never done the song live before in terms of emotional content.

The touring band are Bonham on vocals and acoustic guitar occasionally; her partner Peter Bullick on guitars and mandolin (his fills and solos are accomplished but fresh, and I particularly like his slide guitar); keyboard player (and long-lost friend of mine) Gerard Louis; on bass Ian Rowley and percussionist Rich Newman. Newman particularly came to the fore when called upon to repeat John Bonham’s percussion in ‘Rock and Roll’ – if anyone has the right to cover this track, then it’s this band.

After the emotional (if not spiritual) ups and downs of the two sets, it was a superb, energizing way to end. And so it was that everyone had more drinks in the comfortable Backstage Bar, and those who stayed at the hotel enjoyed a happy session which lasted a wee few hours.

What a great venue for music. (All sorts of offers appeared when I booked – discount champagne; discount beauty treatments; late checkout. They must have seen me coming).

As to the Green Hotel’s Backstage bar – well. It’s a paradise of memorabilia from every guitar-based act you can think of, and plenty you can’t.

There may be a spare inch of wall space not covered by guitars, posters or mouth-watering autographed memorabilia of some sort, but I didn’t’ find it.

Backstage is David Mundell’s labour of love, and the bill of artists who come here to play intimate shows is impressive, and growing more so by the day.

It’s a must see stop on any pilgrimage for lovers of guitar; an old Gibson of Jimmy Page’s peers out at you from behind the bar as you order your jack and coke. It’s a rock haven created by a devotee.
http://www.mundellmusic.com/gigs_green_hotel.php

The new album Spirit is here. My favourite tracks so far are the title track, ‘Take Me Down’ with its country music romantic flavour and ‘Fly’ which is nothing short of empowering for us women of a certain age; it speaks of freedom and escape. Whether the songs are going in a blues (No Angel), rock, or country-esque direction (Take Me Down), the sound of Bonham and the band is unique and memorable.

I’ll definitely be seeing more of Lorraine Robertson, because like her, I’ll want to see more of this band. Soon.
www.deborahbonham.com

*STOP PRESS* Deborah Bonham donated ten signed copies of her new album to Willows Animal Sanctuary, which is having its first open day on Friday 5 April. More info here http://www.willowsanimals.com/

Almost Blue: Promoting The New Country

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Mar 282014

Since August 2013, the local music scene has been enhanced as regular country gigs have been offered to city and NE music fans, David Innes reports. This is down to the energy and efforts of Martin Raitt and his Almost Blue Promotions.

Martin explains:
“In May last year I attended a My Darling Clementine gig in Alford and after the show singer Michael Weston King and I got talking. When I asked why touring country and Americana bands rarely seem to come to Aberdeen, he offered to play here if we could set up a gig for them.

“So after looking around for venues and quickly learning the rudiments of how to promote a show, we promoted our first gig in August 2013.

“Michael was as good as his word and it was a proud moment when My Darling Clementine played at Drummonds. The show went well even if the crowd was small, so I decided there and then to carry on and try to promote more shows.

“Since then we have had a further six gigs with more booked for the rest of 2014.

“I’d regularly travel to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth to see shows, I felt frustrated that the artists I wanted to see rarely came to Aberdeen, so I started Almost Blue Promotions to try to change that and make Aberdeen a regular stopping point for touring artists. The city has a vibrant live music scene. There are regular jazz and blues nights, Rock bands are everywhere, and folk music is very well catered for, but I didn’t see enough country or Americana bands playing.

“Glasgow has its regular country music club and several festivals; Perth has its annual Southern Fried Festival of Americana and Inverness and the Highlands have regular acts playing.

“Defining country music to people who don’t listen to it, is difficult. People tend to think of cowboy hats and line dancing, and there are country music clubs who cater for that sort of music, but Americana, or alt.country is probably best defined as rock music which leans heavily on country for influences, but includes significant and strong elements of bluegrass, roots, folk, R&B, blues and soul.

“It’s a very wide genre, covering so many different styles, and it always seems to be pushing the boundaries, bringing new influences into recordings and live shows. As far as Almost Blue is concerned, we’ve promoted traditional country with My Darling Clementine, Drew Landry’s acoustics southern blues, The New Madrids’ delicious country rock and soul and The Coal Porters’ Bluegrass.”

So where has this love of country come from in a man who must have been growing up during Britpop’s heyday?

“I was brought up listening to the country music records my dad was always playing. One of the most memorable is Elvis Costello’s Almost Blue, still one of my favourites. It’s a collection of cover versions of country songs that Elvis and the Attractions recorded with Billy Sherrill in 1981. It inevitably led me to listen to Gram Parsons, Merle Haggard and George Jones, and it’s also where I took the agency’s name from. The album was showcased at the city’s country and western club in the Hotel Metro prior to release and the reissued CDs feature live tracks from that show.

“Around the same time Steve Earle, Dwight Yoakam, Lyle Lovett and others were coming to the fore with their brand of singer-songwriter and rock influenced New Country, so it was then OK for me to admit that I liked country music!

“I’d love Almost Blue Promotions to host regular shows featuring high quality Americana acts in Aberdeen and for artists to look at Aberdeen as a place they want to play in the same way they currently regard Glasgow. I really believe that there is an audience in Aberdeen for this and that people will show up to listen once word spreads about gigs and they can have confidence that the artists will be of the best quality.

“In the past few months I’ve built up a database of contacts. This includes the biggest and best UK agencies dealing with Americana, and we’re looking forward to bringing some really great acts to Aberdeen. It’s not just about American artists, there are some terrific Scottish and UK Americana acts that I am looking to bring here too. My Darling Clementine from England, The Dave Latto Band (Fife) and Perth’s New Madrids have already played terrific shows in Aberdeen.”

And what are Almost Blue’s plans and ambitions?

“Our current goal is to offer at least one show per month but it would be great to organise an Aberdeen Americana Music Festival in the future. If I could choose any artist to play at the festival, I’d have to include Steve Earle, John Prine, Emmylou Harris and Dwight Yoakam. If I could bring back Townes Van Zandt, George Jones, Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, Waylon Jennings…there are so many it’s impossible to choose.”

http://www.almostbluepromotions.com

Upcoming Almost Blue Promotions gigs (all at The Blue Lamp, Gallowgate at 8pm)

Wed 2 April Thad Beckman

Fri 4 April Dean Owens

Tues 29 April Madison Violet with support Danni Nicholls

Fri 6 June Sam Baker

Fri 18 July The Red Dirt Skinners

Reviews of Almost Blue gigs

https://aberdeenvoice.com/2013/11/drew-landry-blue-lamp-26-11-13-david-innes-reviews
http://flyinshoes.ning.com/profiles/blogs/live-review-the-new-madrids-the-blue-lamp-aberdeen-9-march-2014

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Musings Of A Not So New Music Photographer

Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion No Responses »

Mar 182014

Julie Thompson continues her series on photographing bands in Aberdeen taking in The Beards/Massive Horse, The Answer/Estrella and Federation of the Disco Pimp/Kagoule/Marionettes at The Lemon Tree, The 1975/The NBHD/Wolf Alice at The Music Hall, and chats to local music photographer Dod Morrison.

The Beards – Credit: Julie Thompson

It seems somehow appropriate to be interviewing Dod Morrison, given that we both recently paid a visit to The Lemon Tree to photograph The Beards.

Dod sports a fairly substantial beard himself, although arguably not as luxurious as those attached to the band.

The Beards, a novelty band over from Australia were here to entertain us, along with their support – Massive Horse. Massive Horse are a couple of rappers, who use a projection screen to show videos, filmed to go with their songs.

These sorts of thing can be useful props when photographing bands – although getting the right moment for the image you’re after can sometimes require patience and a lot of luck.

Beard stroking commenced when The Beards came on. They stroked their own, they stroked each other’s. They even stroked the beards of members of the crowd.

The Beards base their act around the fact that all of their songs are about beards, but that aside, they are actually pretty good. Mostly rock but with some slower numbers, they entertain between songs with banter and some set pieces such as the band taking a break – the singer & lead guitarist had a chat over a beer while the bassist read a book about beards – leaving the audience to carry the chorus.

One track in particular tickled my funny bone; Shaved off his Beard . You can watch them perform on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJkLH4uZ73M

All in all, it was a fun night.

The bearded (and often Mohicaned) Dod Morrison has been shooting gigs for some years – about half of them with professional gear – since getting the bug when he first took photographs of Hayseed Dixie on his wee camera back in 2004.

His biggest frustration is a fairly typical one, as I have found from reading other music photographer interviews:

‘PR companies messing ya about or be replying or forgetting to add you to list and the restrictions you get put on you when everyone in the crowd has a camera anyway.’

It does seem that people spend more time watching gigs live through a phone than actually looking at the band these days. It can be a problem for us when we are limited to shooting from the sound desk up at the back – all you can see is a sea of arms and hands with phones in them.

So, what bands has Dod found the most fun or exciting to photograph?

Dod (bottom right) at The Temperance Movement – Credit: Julie Thompson

‘The Adicts are the most exciting, along with Cock Sparrer and Rancid.’

He singles out the Adicts because he went on a 21 cities tour of America with them from coast to coast (New York to LA and back) including the House of Blues in Los Angeles. This was the furthest, to date, that he has travelled to shoot gigs.

The most famous names under his belt include U2, Iron Maiden, and Katy Perry and on that note we’ll stop for a while. The second half of this interview will continue next time

I’ve been busy photographing other gigs between my last Musings and this, but I never got chance to write them up before a chest infection, exacerbated by some smoke machines at The Music Hall, knocked me out of commission for a couple of weeks. I’ll quickly mention some of them and there are photos linked below for anyone interested.

In late January, Federation of The Disco Pimp arrived at The Lemon Tree, along with Kagoule and supported by local band Marionettes.

We arrived at The Lemon Tree to find the usual photographers pit missing – a new one to me at this venue. It did mean, after some discussion with security, that we had a bit of a free rein on shooting, as long as we didn’t get in the way or annoy anyone.

The local band, Marionettes, kicked off the evening. The band consists of 5 mostly local lads (some hail from Glasgow) and were actually good fun, sparring with the crowd and producing some nice bouncy music.

Next up were Kagoule, who are a very young (17 years of age) three piece grunge/post punk band – 2 lads on drums & guitar/vocals and a lass on bass and are already proving to be an exciting new addition to the music scene. In a departure from my normal gig routine, another photographer and I had a short back stage shoot with the band.

FOTDP are a seven-piece funk band – 2 saxophones, a trumpet, keyboards, 2 guitars and drums make up this ensemble. No vocals as such so finding the focal point for shooting was tricky. However, concentrating on the instrument lead at the time seemed the way forward. They were a pretty good band – if you like to strut your funky stuff, try and catch them if they come again.

The 1975 – Credit: Julie Thompson

The 1975, supported by The NBHD and Wolf Alice, played the Music Hall in early February.

When I arrived, there were young folk queuing into Golden Square, and some of those at the head of the queue were wrapped in blankets after being waiting for some time.

First up was Wolf Alice, which is a four-piece alternative rock band with a female lead. The lights were really down low for this band, giving me a challenge.

The NBHD (also known as The Neighbourhood) are an alternative rock band from California, formed in 2011. The crowd at the Music Hall seemed pretty familiar with this second support act. For this band and the next, there were strobes and smoke machines – not my favourite combination.

Headlining the young trio of acts, The 1975 hail from Manchester and are an up and coming alternative/indie foursome whose debut album hit number 1 in the UK Album charts back in September last year.

Fronted by Matthew Healy, sporting a floppy Mohican, it was a surprising accomplished performance with Matthew having the stage presence you’d expect from the lead. They are no boy band and they don’t stick to single instruments – swapping between guitar & keyboard, or adding in a sax solo and they seem to enjoy what they do – which shows in their performance.

Their highest charting single, Chocolate, reached 19 in the charts last year. They will be playing at T in the Park along with The Isle of Wight, Reading & Leeds festivals in the summer.

Later in the month was The Answer at The Lemon Tree – signed to the same Agency as The 1975.

The Answer – Credit: Julie Thompson

The Answer is an Irish rock & blues band, formed in 2000 and, as well as supporting the likes of Deep Purple & Whitesnake, they toured with AC/DC in 2008/2009.

Their most recent album, New Horizon, was released last year.

They were supported by Scottish band Estrella, originally from Thurso but relocated to Aberdeen. They play 80’s style rock and have the look to match – entertaining and fun to shoot.

Coming up next – the second part of the Dod Morrison interview, along with Indian Red Lopez at the Peacock Visual Arts Centre, Kid Canaveral at The Tunnels and March of the Mods.

More Photos:

Federation of the Disco Pimp (FOTDP)
Kagoule
Marionettes
The 1975
The NBHD
Woof Alice
The Answer
Estrella
The Beards
Massive Horse

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Deborah Bonham- New Album Spirit & Scottish Dates

Featured, Opinion No Responses »

Mar 182014

Deborah Bonham launches her new album, Spirit, with some Scottish dates. A supporter of Aberdeenshire’s Willows Animal Sanctuary and lifelong animal lover, Deborah has dates in Dumfries (Friday 21 March http://www.thevenuedumfries.co.uk) and Kinross (Saturday 22 March http://www.mundellmusic.com/). With thanks to Suzanne Kelly.

The spirit in the songs and music of Deborah Bonham draws on the hurt, pain, joy and anger that come with life for all of us. Negatives are decanted as positivity, from mistakes comes learning.

From that spirit comes the determination to always push forward and celebrate life, sharing experiences with her audience.

As she sings in the opening salvo from the album: “Pain is going away, it’s gonna stop today. I’m gonna fly”. So there could be only one title for the new album: ‘SPIRIT’

But Deborah also has soul. It’s the soul that comes from her deep love and understanding of so many musical greats – Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, Lowell George and many more – all of whom are artists who surrounded themselves with great musicians who had that same ‘feel’.

And so it is with Deborah’s band. It’s also their instinctive affinity with the words being sung and how they absorb her emotions; sometimes soft, sometimes fierce.

Recorded at a highly charged, personally emotional time in Chichester UK and Nashville USA, Deborah instinctively channeled all that was going on in her life into the sessions, which she co-produced with Glenn Skinner (Deborah Harry, Killing Joke), who also manned the desk for her last album, ‘Duchess’.

On Drums is Marco Giovino (Robert Plant’s Band of Joy, John Cale, Norah Jones).

Marco flew in especially from Nashville to record the drums in a Chapel local to Deborah and she then joined him in Nashville to finish the recording and mix with Mike Poole (Band of Joy, Rickie Lee Jones) and master with Jim DeMain (Michael McDonald, John Hiatt).

Pedal steel supremo B.J.Cole also guests together with a special guest appearance from Robert Plant on harmonica, whilst the remainder of the musicians are her long-time, forceful working band – including bassist Ian Rowley, keyboardist Gerard Louis, and guitarist Peter Bullick.

Embracing more than ever before the bands’ rootsy-Americana influences of the likes of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Little Feat, ‘Spirit’ seamlessly travels through Deborah’s songbook of original compositions, alongside two co-written with John Hogg (Moke, Hookah Brown – with the Black Crowes’ Rich Robinson) and ‘Painbirds’, written by the late Mark Linkous and originally recorded by Sparklehorse for their debut album.

In the same way that Hendrix made Bob Dylan’s ‘All Along The Watchtower’ his own and as did Joe Cocker with The Beatles’ ‘A Little Help From My Friends’, Deborah Bonham and band firmly stamp their identity on this stunningly powerful song.

Elsewhere on the album, mandolin, cello and dobro weave throughout ‘Fly’ (co-written with John Hogg and Simon Sessler) and the irresistible ‘Take Me Down’ the first single to be released and a ReverbNation Rock Chart Number One – twice – which is perhaps reminiscent of The Eagles’ ‘Take It Easy’ but more intriguingly, uses a recurring lyrical theme in Deborah’s work – that of the mercurial nature of the rivers and the seas, to heal or devour.

Throughout, Deborah’s sympathetic band sear, coax, blend, sweeten, compliment, rock and groove

The Cajun stomp of ‘What It Feels’ builds on Marco Giovino’s percussive box of tricks, giving way to a harmonica solo from Robert Plant, that delivers in the most concise way and not heard perhaps since Led Zeppelin’s ‘Custard Pie’.

The Byrds-esque ‘I Won’t Let You Down’ follows before a sultry, hot n sticky atmosphere permeates ‘Good Times’ and there are echoes of Christine McVie and Bonnie Bramlett sweetly lingering in Deborah’s delivery of album closer, ‘Lay Me Down’.

Perhaps the most tellingly autobiographical song is ‘Spirit In Me’. If there is a defining song of this albums’ genesis and attitude, then this is it – lovingly dressed with B.J Cole’s sympathetic, yet playful pedal steel performance.

Throughout, Deborah’s sympathetic band sear, coax, blend, sweeten, compliment, rock and groove, proving (if proof be needed) why Paul Rodgers would have them as his band of choice for recent shows drawn entirely from his catalogue of legendary songs by Free.

This Deborah Bonham ‘live’ band also includes drummer Rich Newman (Sam Brown, Steve Marriott, Rory Gallagher) and the band have showcased several of the new songs in recent months, including the show-stopping, classic Bonham blues rock ballad, ‘I Need Love’ at Festivals and shows in the UK and Europe: The Great British Rock & Blues Festival, the massive Harley-Davidson European H.O.G. Rallies in France, Austria and Portugal and The Great British Folk Festival, where, even in the bands’ stripped-down acoustic format, the songs connected with the audience.

And why? Because they all see and feel the SPIRIT.

www.deborahbonham.com

Tarland Welcomes Fiery Danish Folk Duo

Aberdeenshire, Featured, Gigs and Concerts No Responses »

Feb 272014

A very special collaboration is happening in three North East town this month. With thanks to Shona Donaldson.

Danish folk duo Rannok are making the trip to Scotland for joint concert’s with well-known traditional fiddler Paul Anderson and singer Shona Donaldson.

While studying at The Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, Southern Denmark, Michael Graubæk and pianist Theis Langlands started the Rannok duo, playing what has been described as ‘a masterly blend of fiery folk music, authentic traditional tunes, and original compositions which give that contemporary touch’.

Rannok released their first album in 2010, dedicating it to both the Danish folk music tradition and to innovation.

Since then the duo have played at venues and festivals in Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland and all over Scotland, where they have met with particular audience approval. In fact Rannok’s first album was partly financed by Scottish fans who thought it high time they produced a cd.

“When we are composing our own music”, Michael says,

“we are influenced by the traditional sound of Danish music and the Scots as well. Theis is married to a Scots girl and has lived in Scotland, so we know the music. A couple of hundred years back, the Danish and British traditions were closer than they are today, and that’s the sound we’re aiming for”.

Paul Anderson, who is based in Tarland is already something of a legend in the time honoured fiddle tradition of Scotland. During his competitive career he won most of the traditional fiddle championships in Scotland and in 1995 won Scotland’s premier fiddling event ‘The Glenfiddich Scottish Fiddle Championship’. A regular on TV and radio, Paul has recorded 9 solo album and guested on over 40 CD’s.

Hailing from Huntly but now living in Deeside Shona Donaldson is one of Scotland’s best known young traditional singers. In 2009 she won the coveted Scots Singer of the Year Award at the Scots Traditional Music Awards. She has a particular enthusiasm for the songs of the North East and as well as singing plays the fiddle.

The collaboration between two of Denmark’s most acclaimed musicians and two of Scotland’s best known traditional musicians is certainly not to be missed. It promises to be a great night of music and song!

Rannok, Paul Anderson and Shona Donaldson will be appearing at Tarland Primary School in Tarland on Friday 14th March and the concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £7.

On Saturday 15th March Rannok will be leading a music workshop in the Village Hall in Braemar at 2pm and all instruments are welcome to learn from two of Denmark’s most acclaimed musicians. The workshop will cost £10.

The concert in Braemar will be in The Village Hall at 7.30pm and tickets are £7.

On Sunday 15th Rannok will again be leading a workshop in The Gordon Arms Hotel in Huntly at 2pm with all instruments welcome and it is £10.

The concert on Sunday night will be in The Gordon Arms Hotel, Huntly at 7.30pm and tickets are £7 on the door.

Links:

Rannok
Paul Anderson

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The Secret Life Of Suitcases

Aberdeen City, Gigs and Concerts, Information No Responses »

Feb 212014

Join Larry in The Secret Life of Suitcases as his world is turned upside down and he discovers the thrill of an adventure and the joy of coming home again. Catch it at the Lemon Tree Monday 14 April at 2pm. With Thanks to Liz Smith.

The Secret Life of Suitcases is a funny and enchanting show, a new collaboration with the Unicorn Theatre, London, by writer/director Lewis Hetherington and puppeteer/designer Ailie Cohen.
The production opens on Saturday 15 March at Platform, Glasgow, followed by a two month Scottish tour prior to a London run at the Unicorn.

This is the first ever co-production between one of Scotland’s leading puppetry companies and the UK’s leading theatre for young audiences.

During the tour the show will also be playing at The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen.

Larry works in an office and he likes it very much. He likes sorting and tidying and generally putting things in order. Everything in its place, a place for everything.

But one day, a suitcase suddenly appears at his door. The suitcase has a tiny label. A tiny label with Larry’s name on it. And this suitcase has a mission…

It will be a playful, huge hearted piece for small people with giant imaginations that celebrates an analogue, handcrafted aesthetic in a digital world.

Lewis Hetherington, writer of Leaving Planet Earth, Grid Iron’s Edinburgh International Festival 2013 show and internationally renowned puppeteer Ailie Cohen, are two of Scotland’s most admired children’s theatre makers. Their previous collaboration Cloudman, was described as ‘…a joy to behold…‘ (The Herald) and has toured throughout Scotland, across the UK, including Imaginate Festival (Edinburgh) and Southbank Centre (London) and worldwide including the USA and Japan, garnering critical praise and playing to sell-out audiences.

The music for The Secret Life of Suitcases is composed by Niroshini Thambar and lighting design is by Andrew Gannon. Lewis Hetherington and Ailie Cohen have also received funding from Creative Scotland to create The Secret Life of Suitcases mobile app that will be launched later this year.

This Creative Scotland funded production is part of the Puppet Animation Festival and co-produced by the Unicorn Theatre, London. The production has been selected by The Touring Network (Highlands and Islands) and Arts nan Eilean for touring in these regions.

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